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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
bucyrustelegraphforum.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns of an escalating "smishing" scam targeting E-ZPass users and other toll service customers with fraudulent text messages claiming unpaid tolls of $3.95-$12.55, designed to trick recipients into clicking malicious links and surrendering personal and financial information. Similar scams are circulating about undelivered packages, unpaid taxes, and overdue bills, with scammers increasingly using AI and spoofing techniques across multiple states. The FBI advises recipients to delete suspicious texts immediately without clicking links, verify account status through official channels, and report incidents to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
nbcwashington.com
· 2025-12-08
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ca.cair.com
· 2025-12-08
CAIR-CA reported scams where callers impersonated ICE agents and threatened U.S. citizens and international students with deportation or fines unless they filed AR-11 forms (which only immigrants need to submit). The calls used spoofed ICE hotline numbers and appeared to target students, people with Arab or Muslim names, and Gaza advocacy supporters. Victims are advised not to engage with suspicious calls, never share personal information with callers claiming to be government agents, and contact immigration attorneys or report incidents to CAIR-CA.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Pump-and-dump stock scams, which have existed for centuries, involve fraudsters accumulating low-priced "penny stocks," artificially inflating their value through promotional campaigns (increasingly via encrypted social media platforms), and then selling their shares at peak prices, leaving other investors unable to sell as the price crashes. These schemes exploit investors' fear of missing out (FOMO) by creating artificial urgency and buzz around stocks with little public information available. Protection strategies include avoiding investment advice from strangers, being cautious of social media investment ads, and conducting thorough research before investing in low-priced securities.
saltwire.com
· 2025-12-08
Luiggi Giovanni Yataco, 35, was sentenced for his role in the "Grandparent Scam," defrauding seniors in St. John's and Gander of nearly $27,900 in October 2023 by posing as a lawyer and claiming grandchildren needed bail money for car accidents. Yataco pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud and one count of wearing a disguise, claiming he was merely a "money mule" collecting cash envelopes, though he was arrested when police caught him attempting to pick up money from one of the victims. The scam is part of a broader pattern affecting Canadian seniors, with over $23
wgal.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly using AI-generated "wrong number" text messages with innocuous content to trick recipients into engaging and confirming active phone numbers for future fraud schemes. In 2024, consumers lost $470 million to text-based scams, according to the FTC, which notes a 98% text message open rate. Consumers should avoid replying to unexpected texts, clicking links, or assuming unverified messages from companies are legitimate—instead contacting organizations directly using known contact information.
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI has issued a nationwide warning about fake discount medical insurance scams that have defrauded victims across the country out of millions of dollars. These scams target vulnerable individuals seeking affordable healthcare through unsolicited contact (calls, texts, emails) promising low premiums and comprehensive coverage, but deliver no actual insurance, leaving victims responsible for medical bills and unable to cancel charges. The FBI urges victims to report suspected fraud to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
wmur.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are using AI voice-cloning technology to create convincing deepfake calls impersonating family members and demanding money, with minimal legal restrictions currently preventing unauthorized voice cloning. Consumer Reports found that four of six tested voice-cloning apps lacked meaningful consent safeguards, making the scam increasingly difficult for victims to detect. Protection measures include enabling two-factor authentication on financial accounts, verifying unexpected calls through alternative contact methods, and remaining skeptical of unsolicited requests for personal or financial information.
lifehacker.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission and FBI warn consumers about discounted services scams where fraudsters posing as utility companies or health insurance providers use high-pressure tactics and promises of steep discounts to trick victims into paying upfront via gift cards or signing up for fake plans they cannot cancel or use. To protect yourself, avoid rushed decisions, independently verify company legitimacy through direct contact, never pay upfront, and research insurance providers through your state insurance commissioner and Better Business Bureau before committing to any plan.
news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The Los Angeles Police Department warned of a growing virtual kidnapping scam targeting Hispanic communities, where scammers claim to hold a loved one captive and demand money for their release, though no actual kidnapping has occurred. The scams typically begin with phone calls or text messages in Spanish, with perpetrators threatening victims and warning them not to contact police, and in some cases simultaneously contacting multiple family members to amplify the deception. Police recommend avoiding calls from unknown numbers (especially those with Mexican prefixes), ignoring suspicious texts on messaging apps, and contacting local law enforcement immediately if targeted by such a call.
cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns of a rapidly spreading scam involving fake discount medical insurance plans that have cost victims millions of dollars. Fraudsters posing as insurance representatives use unsolicited contact and false urgency to convince people to pay for non-existent coverage, often promising full medical/dental benefits, preferred doctor access, and bonus benefits like grocery or gas aid. Documented cases include a Pennsylvania couple who received emergency room bills they thought were covered and a Texas senior who had to cancel his credit card to stop unauthorized charges after enrolling in a fraudulent dental plan.
fox6now.com
· 2025-12-08
Finance professor Dan Roccato provides guidance on blocking spammers and job scams, noting that consumers lost $60 million in job offer scams last year. The segment covers how to identify and block spam texts, particularly those offering employment opportunities.
rmpbs.org
· 2025-12-08
An 86-year-old Colorado resident named Beverly Russman has been repeatedly targeted by multiple scams over several years, including fake urgent payment demands, ATM withdrawal schemes, and the "Grandparent Scam," which nearly cost her thousands of dollars before bank tellers and family intervention stopped her. According to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report, Colorado ranks seventh nationwide in senior fraud complaints, with scammers stealing over $54 million from seniors that year, with perpetrators often using personal information gleaned from social media and obituaries to target victims. Experts note that seniors are prime fraud targets due to their financial assets, and victims can report fraud to the FTC but
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-08
**Article Type:** Educational/Awareness piece on elder fraud prevention
Kerry Tomlinson, a cybersecurity expert and former TV reporter, presented research at RSAC 2025 on why older adults (60+) are vulnerable to online scams and fraud. Older adults lost an average of $83,000 per scam in the past year, primarily through social engineering attacks that exploit stress, fear, and urgency by impersonating authority figures. Tomlinson emphasizes that retirement, cognitive changes, physical limitations (vision and hearing loss), and loss of self-efficacy contribute to vulnerability, and recommends approaching elder protection with empathy rather than frustration or removing
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Scams and fraud are surging at alarming rates, affecting millions of Americans and causing significant financial and emotional harm. The U.S. Government Accountability Office has called for a national strategy to combat fraud, including standardized definitions and measurements, with proposed legislation like the GUARD Act aimed at requiring federal agencies to report on the scope of scams to Congress. Industry leaders and policymakers argue that comprehensive federal data collection and cross-sector collaboration between government, financial institutions, technology companies, and law enforcement are essential to developing targeted fraud prevention strategies and protecting vulnerable consumers.
fingerlakes1.com
· 2025-12-08
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand warned that proposed cuts to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)—including elimination of nearly 90% of staff and the Office of Financial Protection for Older Americans—will leave seniors vulnerable to fraud and scams. In 2023 alone, over 4,300 older New Yorkers lost more than $200 million to scams, and the CFPB has historically returned over $21 billion to victims while providing critical financial education and fraud prevention resources. Gillibrand called for full restoration of CFPB staffing to maintain protections against elder fraud and financial exploitation.
nbcpalmsprings.com
· 2025-12-08
Palm Springs Police issued a warning to seniors about sophisticated scam tactics targeting older adults, highlighting the growing threat of phone-based fraud in the community. The alert emphasized the importance of financial safety and fraud prevention measures for vulnerable populations.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
A retired caregiver in Fresno, California discovered her identity had been stolen in a cryptocurrency investment scam when friends congratulated her on launching a crypto business; the fraudulent Facebook post falsely claimed she was a certified "Expert Crypto Trader" and garnered 160+ responses, though the actual number of victims who sent money remains unknown. California's Department of Social Services received over 190,000 reports of financial abuse against seniors between January 2022 and February 2025, with experts noting that older adults are particularly vulnerable to sophisticated scams involving cryptocurrency, phishing, impersonation, and romance fraud, especially as AI technology makes these schemes more convincing.
theregister.com
· 2025-12-08
Generative AI has significantly enhanced phishing and fraud schemes by producing grammatically correct, localized content in regional languages and dialects that previously escaped scammers' reach, making traditional red flags like poor spelling obsolete. AI chatbots now effectively initiate romance scams and impersonation fraud, while AI-generated audio deepfakes are already being used in real-time to target company employees, though video deepfakes remain less convincing despite high-profile cases like the $25 million Hong Kong fraud.
columbiavalleypioneer.com
· 2025-12-08
On April 21, Columbia Valley RCMP responded to a report from a gas station employee who suspected an elderly customer was being scammed after they attempted to purchase Apple gift cards; officers located the victim and provided fraud education. The RCMP warned of an increase in online gift card scams where fraudsters impersonate phone companies, the Canada Revenue Agency, and family members to request payment, targeting seniors who should be educated that no legitimate companies accept gift cards as payment.
commercialappeal.com
· 2025-12-08
Task scams targeting job seekers have "skyrocketed," with reports quadrupling from 5,000 in 2023 to 20,000 in the first half of 2024, according to FTC alerts. These scams lure victims through unsolicited texts or WhatsApp messages promising online work through gamified apps, then request victims invest their own money (often in cryptocurrency) with promises of commissions, resulting in losses of hundreds to thousands of dollars per victim—with task scams accounting for nearly 40 percent of the $220 million in total job scam losses in early 2024. The FTC and BBB advise avoiding unsolicited job
b105country.com
· 2025-12-08
Wisconsin Public Service warned customers of a scam in which fraudsters impersonate utility company representatives and demand immediate payment to avoid service disconnection, creating false urgency to panic victims into providing banking information for theft. The scam targeted residential customers, businesses, and religious organizations across Wisconsin, with scammers requesting payment details to steal money and personal identity information. WPS advised customers to hang up suspicious calls and contact the company directly to verify any service issues.
komando.com
· 2025-12-08
A 90-year-old Nashville grandmother lost $6,000 to an elaborate "grandparent scam" in which scammers used a deepfaked voice impersonating her granddaughter Amanda, claiming she needed money immediately after a car accident; a person came to her home to collect the cash. The victim only discovered the fraud when she called back requesting to speak directly with her granddaughter, highlighting how the scam exploited her love and the urgency of the emergency. The article recommends families establish a code word for emergency calls and adjust elderly relatives' phone settings to accept only saved contacts to prevent similar incidents.
postbulletin.com
· 2025-12-08
A 71-year-old Rochester woman lost $2,000 in a phone scam in February 2022 when a caller impersonating a Geek Squad representative convinced her to purchase Target gift cards to cancel a subscription. After the woman photographed and sent the gift card codes to the scammer, she realized the fraud had occurred. Police emphasized that legitimate businesses never request payment via gift cards.
munsifdaily.com
· 2025-12-08
A woman from Secunderabad lost ₹1.31 lakh after being scammed by a fraudster posing as an army officer interested in renting her flat. The scammer used a "reverse payment mode" trick, convincing her to first receive and then refund a test amount to "confirm the transaction," after which he disappeared and became unreachable. The victim filed a complaint with Cyber Crime Police, and authorities warned the public to verify identities and avoid sharing financial information without proper authentication.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are using advanced tools like generative AI to defraud mobile consumers, with annual losses exceeding $1 trillion globally according to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance. Google is rolling out AI-powered scam detection features for Android users, including real-time warnings in Google Messages and phone call analysis, while experts recommend supplementing these tools with additional security measures like strong antivirus software to stay ahead of evolving fraud tactics.
wdrb.com
· 2025-12-08
A Louisville mother received a scam call using AI-generated voice cloning technology to impersonate her 10-year-old daughter claiming to be in a car accident; a man identifying himself as "Hector" then threatened to kidnap the child and demanded the mother meet him, but she immediately verified her daughter was safe at school. The FBI has issued warnings about criminals using artificial intelligence to clone voices and impersonate loved ones in crisis scenarios, and experts recommend families establish safe words, verify callers' locations, and never send money to unknown individuals.
khou.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
The FBI has issued a warning about fraudulent discount medical insurance schemes that cost victims millions annually, targeting people seeking affordable healthcare with misleading offers that promise coverage but provide none. Scammers use unsolicited contact and high-pressure tactics to pressure victims into quick sign-ups, with documented cases including a Pennsylvania couple and Maryland resident who discovered their policies provided no coverage after medical events, leaving them responsible for thousands in bills. The FBI recommends verifying insurance through state commissioners or the Better Business Bureau, reviewing policy documents carefully, and avoiding upfront payments to protect against these scams.
futurism.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly using AI-powered "realtime deepfakes" to commit fraud against elderly and younger users alike, altering their appearance and voices in live videos to impersonate trusted individuals or create convincing false identities. Common schemes include romance scams, Medicare fraud, and the "grandparent scam," in which criminals impersonate a loved one's voice to coerce money or sensitive information; one Canadian grandmother lost $9,000 CAD to such a scam. While elderly users are traditionally vulnerable, research shows younger generations (Gen Z, millennials, Gen X) are 34 percent more likely to lose money to fraud overall, though the growing sophist
koaa.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, scammers stole $243.5 million from Colorado victims and over $16 billion nationwide, according to FBI data—a $56 million increase in Colorado compared to 2023. Seniors aged 60 and older reported 3,125 complaints involving $74.5 million in losses, with the most costly schemes being investment fraud ($90 million), business email compromise ($48 million), and personal data breaches ($23 million). The FBI warns that scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using social media, dating sites, and text messages to build trust before pitching fraudulent cryptocurrency and other investment schemes, with recovery of stolen funds typically
nbcpalmsprings.com
· 2025-12-08
Palm Springs Police issued a warning to seniors about a surge in phone scams, cautioning residents not to provide money over the phone. Chief Andy Mills highlighted concerns about police impersonation scams and other fraud targeting elderly residents in the Coachella Valley area.
keyt.com
· 2025-12-08
A retired caregiver in Fresno, California discovered her identity had been stolen for a cryptocurrency investment scam on Facebook, where scammers posed as her offering "Expert Crypto Trader" services with falsified certificates. California has reported over 190,000 cases of alleged financial abuse against seniors from January 2022 to February 2025, with cryptocurrency, phishing, romance, and government impersonation scams being prevalent, particularly in Fresno and Madera counties. Experts recommend seniors avoid sending money to unknown individuals, verify claims through official sources, and report suspected fraud to the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation.
oswegocountytoday.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, more than 4,300 older New Yorkers were defrauded, losing over $200 million, as older Americans nationwide lost $3.4 billion to scams. The Trump administration is attempting to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) by firing approximately 90% of its staff, including nearly all employees of the Office of Financial Protection for Older Americans, which provides fraud education and counseling to seniors. This action threatens to leave vulnerable older adults without critical protections and resources, despite the CFPB having returned over $21 billion in compensation to Americans harmed by financial fraud since its creation.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office for Southern Illinois partnered with the Du Quoin Public Library to host a fraud prevention seminar educating seniors on common scams targeting them via phone, text, email, and online platforms, including schemes where fraudsters impersonate federal agents to extort money. Prosecutors from the Southern District of Illinois presented information on fraud schemes, federal cases, and tips for detecting scams, noting that local scammers have previously defrauded seniors in the region of substantial portions of their life savings.
fhtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers tailor their fraud tactics by age group, targeting Gen Z with employment and crypto scams on social media, millennials with investment fraud via text and email, Gen X with retirement-focused investment schemes, and seniors with romance, home improvement, and crypto scams that often result in losses of $10,000 to $100,000 or more. Seven key warning signs of scams include unsolicited contact from strangers, requests for money or wire transfers, artificial urgency, coaching about what to tell financial institutions, and discouragement from trusting banks. The article advises verifying suspicious offers through Google searches, consulting trusted contacts and financial institutions, and recognizing that fraudsters use
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
A Cambodia-based gang with North Korean ties operated the Huione Group, which facilitated "pig butchering" romance scams and other cyber fraud against Americans, stealing at least $4 billion between August 2021 and January 2025. The scammers used dating apps, social media, and professional networking sites to pose as romantic interests or business contacts, convincing victims to invest in cryptocurrency or transfer funds for fake business ventures. The U.S. Treasury Department announced a proposed rule to sever Huione's access to the American financial system, with one victim, Beth Hyland, losing $26,000 after being manipulated into sending bitcoin payments through ATMs to a Nigeria
hawaiibusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
Hawai'i residents lost $61.6 million to fraud in 2024, with scams ranging from romance and cryptocurrency schemes to employment and ticket fraud. While younger people now fall victim to scams as frequently as older adults due to increased online activity and confidence with technology, older adults typically lose larger amounts of money per incident, with romance scams having the highest median loss at $6,099. Experts advise victims and potential targets to pause and step away from high-pressure situations to recognize scams, as fraudsters rely on creating urgency and emotional manipulation to bypass critical thinking.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns of sophisticated scams where fraudsters impersonate doctors, police, and bank officials using spoofed numbers and "smishing" texts, often targeting previous fraud victims through social media with promises of fund recovery. These schemes employ AI and deepfakes to appear legitimate, with scammers posing as recovery experts or FBI officials to steal personal information and money a second time. The article recommends staying calm when contacted by suspected scammers, avoiding unknown contact numbers, refusing remote access or software downloads, using strong antivirus protection, and considering personal information removal services as defensive measures.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The article highlights economic anxiety-driven scams targeting Americans facing recession fears and inflation concerns. Two prevalent scams are detailed: fraudulent "subsidy card" schemes on social media falsely promising government assistance for groceries and rent (legitimate programs like SNAP exist but aren't advertised online), and fake federal grant scams that contact unsuspecting victims claiming they've won free money—real grants are free to claim and rarely awarded to individuals. The article advises verifying opportunities through official channels like 211.org for assistance programs and Grants.gov for legitimate grants.
ic3.gov
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns of discount medical insurance scams that promise reduced rates but provide no actual coverage, resulting in millions in annual losses and primarily targeting people seeking affordable healthcare through unsolicited contact. Washington state issued a cease-and-desist order against one fraudulent company after over 100 complaints, with victims reporting misrepresented coverage, denied refunds, and unauthorized charges; specific cases included Pennsylvania residents pressured into plans with no actual coverage, a Texas senior deceived into unwanted dental insurance, and a Maryland man left responsible for $7,000 in surgery costs after his purchased plan was not accepted by his hospital. To protect themselves, consumers should verify that insurance companies are licensed in their state through the state
localmemphis.com
· 2025-12-08
Tennessee residents are being targeted by a phone scam impersonating the SafeTN App, with fraudsters sending text messages claiming recipients owe overdue toll fees and threatening license suspension to pressure immediate payment. The scam messages often contain links to fake government websites designed to steal personal information. Officials advise residents to never click suspicious links, verify communications through official channels using known phone numbers and "@tn.gov" email addresses, and report such messages to their carriers.
10tv.com
· 2025-12-08
Ohio seniors lost an average of $18,000 each to scammers in the past year, totaling $54 million statewide, with artificial intelligence making fraud increasingly sophisticated. Rising threats include fraudulent text messages mimicking legitimate banks and federal agencies, as well as data breaches at senior care facilities, such as a breach affecting over 50,000 people at HCF Management. Authorities recommend seniors monitor credit regularly, file fraud reports to help track criminal trends, and consider credit freezes or free credit monitoring to protect themselves.
spectrumnews1.com
· 2025-12-08
Ohio officials are raising awareness during Older Americans Month about the escalating threat of scams targeting seniors, noting that complaints in the state's Division of Securities increased 22% from 2023 to 2024 (247 to 302 complaints), while nationally seniors lost $1.6 billion to fraud between January and May 2024. Scammers are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics including AI-generated voice cloning and cryptocurrency schemes, with seniors targeted due to perceived vulnerability and financial assets. Officials recommend protective measures such as verifying identities, resisting pressure tactics, monitoring accounts, and utilizing available fraud resources and monitoring services.
asianjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
Nevada officials warned seniors about rising SSA impersonation scams, following an FTC report showing Americans lost a record $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, with adults aged 70 and older heavily targeted. Scammers use spoofed numbers and fear tactics—claiming suspended Social Security numbers or unpaid taxes—to extract personal information, with Filipino-American seniors particularly vulnerable due to language barriers and cultural factors. Authorities recommend hanging up on suspicious calls, never providing personal information unsolicited, and reporting incidents to the FTC or Nevada Attorney General's office, while community groups advocate for multilingual prevention resources.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
The Palm Springs Police Department is warning senior residents in the Coachella Valley about increasingly sophisticated online scams that target older adults through phone calls, emails, text messages, and QR codes to steal personal and financial information. The Joslyn Center in Palm Desert is combating the problem by offering weekly "Teach Tech" classes that educate seniors about common scams and how to identify warning signs, with the center seeking additional volunteers to expand the program and address a waiting list of interested seniors.
messagemedia.co
· 2025-12-08
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
· 2025-12-08
A criminal ring operating from Cambodia used deepfake technology to create fake personas of attractive women and men to conduct romance and investment scams, defrauding over 100 victims of approximately $8.39 million since March 2024. Police arrested 10 suspects and booked 35 others involved in the operation, which targeted vulnerable populations including people with disabilities, the elderly, and homemakers, with individual losses ranging from approximately $1,400 to $560,000. The scammers built elaborate fake identities with detailed backstories and video call capabilities to gain trust before requesting money for living expenses or directing victims to fraudulent investment platforms.
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
This article describes an educational event held by AARP Virginia that presented information about six types of scams targeting older adults, paired with wine tastings. The scams covered included cryptocurrency fraud (where victims are tricked into depositing cash at crypto ATMs), jury duty scams (imposter calls claiming arrest is imminent unless fines are paid), and romance scams, with volunteers providing recognition strategies and prevention advice for each.
mondaq.com
· 2025-12-08
Online scams using remote access software (such as AnyDesk and TeamViewer) have become increasingly sophisticated, with fraudsters posing as financial advisers or IT technicians to trick victims into granting device access, allowing them to steal funds, personal data, and banking credentials. These scams cause significant financial losses and serious long-term psychological consequences, including damage to credit ratings and erosion of trust. Criminals typically initiate contact via phone, email, or social media, impersonate trusted institutions, and once granted access, transfer funds to untraceable accounts, purchase cryptocurrencies, or manipulate online banking systems.